Romont Castle, a 13th-century Savoyard fortress, houses the Vitromusée Romont, the Swiss Museum of Stained Glass and Glass Art. Discover historic and contemporary stained glass, then explore the castle’s medieval halls and ramparts.
Castles & forts
Main highlights
- Swiss Museum of Stained Glass : stained glass from the Middle Ages to the present day, plus glass art
- 13th-century fortress with a square layout, flanked by four corner towers
- Views from the ramparts over the Fribourg countryside and the Pre-Alps
Overview
The castle was built in the 13th century by the Counts of Savoy on a hill overlooking the medieval town. This square fortress, flanked by four corner towers, controlled the trade routes between Switzerland and Savoy.
For a long time, the castle served as the residence of the bailiffs and as an administrative seat. Since 1981, it has housed the Vitromusée Romont, also known as the Swiss Museum of Stained Glass and Glass Art. Its restored medieval halls display the collections. 15th-century ramparts still encircle the old town.
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What to see and do
The museum traces the art of stained glass from the Middle Ages to the present day. You’ll see historic stained glass from churches and patrician residences, contemporary works and pieces showing how manufacturing techniques have evolved. Collections of fire arts round off the tour : ceramics, enamels and painted glass. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions devoted to stained glass and today’s artists.
The visit takes you through restored medieval spaces with their vaulted ceilings and spiral staircases. From the ramparts and towers, the view stretches over Romont, the Fribourg countryside and, on clear days, the Pre-Alps as far as the Bernese Alps.
Educational workshops introduce children and families to stained-glass techniques. Themed guided tours offer a deeper look at the collections or the castle’s history.
Practical information
Getting there : in the heart of the old town, a 10-minute walk from the SBB/CFF train station. Several public car parks are located near the historic centre.
Visit duration : 1.5 to 2 hours for the museum and castle, with audio guides available in several languages.
Accessibility : the site is partially accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; some areas involve stairs.
On site : a shop specialising in stained glass and a small café in the courtyard during the warmer months.
Visiting tips
Choose a bright day : natural light brings out the colours and translucency of the stained glass. In the late afternoon, the low-angled light illuminates the façades.
Allow time for Romont’s old town, which retains its medieval layout, and for the circular walk along the ramparts.
Nearby
- The Musée gruérien in Bulle presents the history and traditions of the region through models and collections.
- The Abbaye de la Fille-Dieu in Romont is a spiritual landmark that tells the story of faith in the canton of Fribourg.
- The Wallpaper Museum displays historic wall decorations at Mézières Castle.
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